The Federal Government has explained its decision to install solar panels at the Aso Rock Villa, at a cost of N10 billion.

The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, said it is unsustainable for the Aso Rock Villa to continue to pay about ₦47 billion yearly in power bills.

He said that this is why President Bola Tinubu approved ₦10 billion for the solar power grid to power the presidential villa.

Abdullahi gave the explanation while briefing the press on Friday, adding that the move is in line with the President’s agenda to diversify energy sources and also cut the cost of governance.

As cutting cost, he listed other gains of the move to include ensuring uninterrupted and clean energy, job creation, engendering innovation among Nigerian engineers and energy experts, and ultimately reduce pressure on the national grid.

He also revealed that some innovations of the current administration have attracted interest from development partners who have earmarked about $5.3 billion of investment in Nigeria’s power sector especially in the area of grid expansion.